What Is the Richest Town in Bucks County PA?
What is the richest town in Bucks County PA?
If you’re asking “richest” in the most common, data backed way (median household income), the answer is Upper Makefield Township.
According to U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts, Upper Makefield Township’s median household income is about $218,160 (ACS 2019 to 2023, reported in 2023 dollars).
That is nearly double the countywide median household income level reported for Bucks County (about $111,951 in the same ACS period).
And yes, I know what you’re thinking: “Wait, that’s a township, not a cute little borough with a Main Street.” Welcome to Pennsylvania. We say “town” when we mean “municipality,” and we all move on with our lives.
How is “richest town” usually measured?
Most rankings use one of these three:
Median household income
This is the most common “richest town” metric because it’s widely available and easy to compare across municipalities.Per capita income
Useful, but it can get skewed in small places with a lot of high earners or retirees with investment income.Home values
This answers “most expensive housing market,” which is not always the same as “richest.”
For this article, “richest” means highest median household income using the latest widely cited U.S. Census Bureau ACS estimates.
Is Upper Makefield Township really the top in Bucks County?
On the Census Bureau’s own profiles, Upper Makefield’s median household income sits well above other high income Bucks County municipalities typically in the conversation, like Buckingham Township and Solebury Township.
Here’s a quick reality check using the same QuickFacts income line item (ACS 2019 to 2023, in 2023 dollars):
• Upper Makefield Township: about $218,160
• Buckingham Township: about $190,451
• Solebury Township: about $185,341
• Lower Makefield Township: about $173,721
So yes, Upper Makefield is sitting at the top by this specific measure.
What does “richest” look like on the ground in Upper Makefield?
In plain English: higher household incomes usually show up as higher home prices, larger lots, and tighter inventory when homes are well kept and well located.
Census Reporter, which republishes Census Bureau ACS data, lists Upper Makefield’s median owner occupied home value around $859,300 (ACS 2023 five year profile).
Compare that to the median owner occupied home value for Bucks County overall (roughly mid $400,000s in the same ACS profile view).
So if your goal is “I want the wealthiest area,” Upper Makefield fits the bill. If your goal is “I want the best value,” that’s a totally different question, and sometimes the best value is hiding in the places people scroll past.
Does “richest town” mean “best town” to live in?
Not automatically.
Money can buy convenience, space, and certain amenities. It cannot buy you a shorter commute, a house that never needs a roof, or neighbors who mind their business.
Also, higher priced areas can mean:
• Higher entry cost for buyers
• Tougher competition for well priced listings
• More scrutiny on inspections and condition because buyers spending big expect big
Translation: wealthy towns are great, but you still need to buy smart.
If you’re buying or selling in Upper Makefield, what should you pay attention to?
If you’re serious about this area, here are the practical moves that matter:
• Confirm exactly what you mean by “Upper Makefield”
People often mix up Washington Crossing, Newtown, Yardley, and New Hope area in casual conversation. Boundaries matter for schools, taxes, and resale.
• Do not guess at monthly costs
High purchase prices can come with high carrying costs. Get a true payment estimate that includes taxes and insurance, not just principal and interest.
• Condition beats cosmetics in higher end markets
Buyers will forgive dated finishes more than they’ll forgive deferred maintenance.
• Know your timing
Luxury and high price segments can move differently than starter homes. Pricing and presentation have to be sharper.
What is the richest town in Bucks County PA right now?
Upper Makefield Township, based on the highest median household income reported in the latest U.S. Census Bureau ACS estimates (2019 to 2023).
Is Newtown the richest town in Bucks County?
Newtown is high demand and can feel expensive, but by median household income, Upper Makefield ranks higher than Newtown Township in the same Census Bureau measure.
What are the other wealthiest towns in Bucks County?
By median household income, Buckingham Township, Solebury Township, and Lower Makefield Township are also among the top tier.
Does “richest” mean the highest home prices?
Not always. Income rankings and home value rankings overlap a lot, but they are not identical.
Where is Upper Makefield Township?
Upper Makefield Township is in central Bucks County and includes the Washington Crossing area along the Delaware River.
Local next step
If you tell me what “richest” means to you (income, home values, taxes, schools, commute, or all of the above), I can rank the best fit towns for your actual goal, not just the headline.
